mallards ???

[Dondoyle26]

Do wild mallards do well in an avairy type situation. Meaning if i plant it with shrubs and vines will they mow it down like regular domestic ducks? I've read somewhere on here wild ducks dont eat plants like domestics will..but does that include mallards. This is my first year with wild mallards normally we have pekins rouens and other large type ducks that cant fly. With those I dont have to worry about them flying around town and deciding to come home at feeding time. I have 5 mallards and I am going to put them in a 10x10 pen this should be plenty big enough for 5 ducks huh ? or should I make it a little larger? That way instead of letting them out every morning and waiting on them to come home in the evening their happy behinds will just stay locked up all the time. Really the only reason for the plants would be for a wind break and shade in the summer and of course they would have some type of housing inside. Any idea's suggestions?

[mary1733ms]

My husband and I have had mallards in our pond for several years and as long as they are raised there we had no problem with them leaving. As to eating my plants around the house we had no problems there either. Good luck with yours.

[KandBinMN]

Mine don't eat the flowers (exception: Sunflowers), but ideally five ducks will want more space than that unless they're not in it full time. Even if they don't eat the grass, you will have mudville soon enough. They'll just keep slobbering water all over and drill holes in the lawn. My brother put hardware wire under and around their water source to prevent this. I've also used that plastic mesh for needlepoint with yarn (can't think of what you call that craft), from a craft store for the duckling pens under their water bowl.

[KandBinMN]

Just wanted to add: if you're in town and worrying about them leaving -clip their wings and also put net over the pen, but make sure it's large enough. After they are trained to where they live and the food is at the same times every day, they're really pretty good. I'm on a farm, but mine run like crazy to their food in the fence every morning and dutifully go into the shed for supper every night. They feel secure there. I also "train" mine with Cheerio treats from young adulthood. Shake the box and watch them come running:)
When it is not mating season, I like to let them out as much as I can to eat dandelions and bugs and get exercise. I just have to watch out for the hawks, and for you, neighborhood dogs.
Enjoy, Mallards are so much fun.